Weekend in New England

Okay, you got me.  I'm not off for a long weekend in New England.  That's just another Barry Manilow song title like THIS one.  If you read <--that post, you know that my sweet sister, Jill, gifted me with a night out with her at the Barry Manilow concert for my 50th birthday.  Tonight, we're headed out to dinner, and then to the concert.  It'll be a great sister's night out.  I'm really excited.

Don't worry, I've got my walker and my earplugs packed.  JUST KIDDING.  I'll be the one singing louder than Barry!  We've been commenting alot about what kind of crowd it will be, and how old we will feel --since the last Barry Manilow concert we attended was back in 19__   oh, sorry - guess my number keys aren't working properly today.  Hmm.

Anyways, I'm not sure Barry still writes the songs that make the young girls cry (although come to think of it, that was "MUSIC", not Barry...) but I'm pretty sure a few tears of pure excitement might be shed by Jill and I.  Music runs deep with us, and is attached to many lifetime memories -- even now.

Could it be magic?  I'll let you know tomorrow at daybreak!!  Regardless, I know it will be well worth it!

Here comes the night!

(For those needing translation for this post, please refer to a list of songs written and/or recorded by Barry Manilow!  *wink)

What's Up? 8.1

Morning Glories have a magical quality about them don't they?  Have you ever noticed that white center? It totally looks like there is a tiny white light bulb poking through and casting a glow, doesn't it?  Love it.

This is a busy week around here... lots going on.  Everything seems to be getting crammed into these last few weeks of summer vacation for us.  How about you?  Whatever's happening at your house, I hope you'll take a little time to slow down and enjoy God's beautiful creation.  Have a great day!

Linking up with Beki @ The Rusted Chain

for Fingerprint Friday,

and

Bring It On!

My daughter had been home all of 41.5 hours, and she was back to serve at one of her favorite spots from her ministry trip LAST week.  You see, she came home -- but her heart was still with the kids of a local school, just 13 minutes from our home.  Yesterday, she went back to help with the free summer breakfast and lunch program -- the equivalent of the free lunch program that runs during the school year.  In between breakfast and lunch, the kids enjoy a VBS program, reading time, outside time, other miscellaneous activities, and even a little snack somewhere in between breakfast and lunch.

I dropped her off just after 8AM, and when I picked her up at 12:30, she was happier than a clam -- and exhausted. Good thing she had slept from 4PM Sunday until 6:30AM Monday morning!  And imagine, she came home and went back to bed yesterday afternoon.  This is my "oh no, I must not nap, or I won't sleep tonight" girl.  Just sayin'.

While she was sleeping, it occurred to me that I wanted to take a nap, too.  My thought was that when I woke up, I wanted school to have started.  We are sort of approaching the start of school at a fever pitch this year.  This has never before happened in our family history.  After homeschooling for years and years, we sent our son to public school last year.  He was very ready. Our daughter... not so much.  But this fall, it's her time to shine.  It's been a process, but she finally (of her own accord) said to me the other day, "I'm getting really excited for my first day of school!"

Hold on a minute please.  Mom is picking herself up and dusting herself off... (I nearly fainted dead away!) But, see?  God is good.  He urged us in the direction we should take, and even when the road seemed rocky, we stuck to our guns.  And now... the girl is excited, for crying out loud!

And, let it be said that this mama -- who always got a little nervous when she saw the "back-to-school" sales flyers -- is actually looking forward to grabbing those TWO lists of needed items, and hitting the stores.  C'mon already.  Let's get started.  Bring it on.

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

Oh no, it's not what you're thinking.  Let me tell you what's been happening at our house within the last week or so.

1. Our daughter was packing up for a week-long ministry trip - which you know if you're a regular reader here.
2. Our son packed up for an overnight, and a day at a Renaissance Fair.

I didn't mention ANYthing to our daughter about packing.  However, she had her bags packed almost a week in advance.  Her exit was organized and unhurried.

Our son had SO MUCH LESS to pack, and I suggested ahead of time that he prepare since he was having a friend over beforehand.  To him, this meant grabbing a sleeping bag and his allergy meds.  So, when we were done eating dinner and I said, "Are you all packed?"  he looked at me with something close to panic, and said he had never THOUGHT about clothes!  Um, hello?  His exit was unorganized and LATE.

I thought my suggestion ahead of time might've been a "heads up," but alas, no.  Go figure.  Boys will be boys.

In other news, I am kind of crushin' on this blue bottle that my son brought home from the Renaissance Fair.  He's rather proud of it since he won it at a ax-throwing contest.  Um, yeah.  Apparently he can really hurl those babies AND actually hit the target.  Who knew?

I washed it out for him... and while it sat on the counter, I could almost envision it added to my collection of counter-goodies in the kitchen.  I'm just sayin'.  It reminds me of something else that I've admired lately.


AND ONE MORE THING...  Happy Birthday to my friend Donna.  Every time I see her she tells me that she reads my blog faithfully -- so I know she won't miss this birthday wish!  Have a lovely day!  I hope it's filled with all the things you enjoy most!

Somewhere Across Town...

This morning, I got a Facebook message from a high school friend who is involved in a ministry to the homeless and hurting downtown in our city.  This ministry is an emergency shelter for women and children in crisis situations.    Turns out, our daughter was helping out there last evening with her team!

As some plans have fallen through for the team, new plans have been made!  God is good.  They've been ministering in places that they didn't even know they'd be when the week began.

Even though they're just across town, internet connections have not been good -- and they have truly been too exhausted at the end of the day to post.  Because of this, we haven't received as many details as we thought we would through the week.  I'll be excited to pick our girl up tomorrow, and hear the details from her perspective.

Thanks to those of you who mentioned you've been lifting the team up in prayer this week!